The European Commission's 2026 Rule of Law Report on North Macedonia, published on 17 July 2026, identifies serious challenges in judicial independence, corruption prevention, and media freedom, affecting citizens, businesses, and public institutions. The report, a staff working document accompanying the broader EU Rule of Law Communication, notes that perceived judicial independence remains very low: only 21% of the general public and 19% of companies rate it as 'fairly or very good' in 2026, down from 28% and 26% in 2025. Implementation of the 2024–2028 Judicial Reform Strategy reached 57% in 2025, up 14% from 2024, but cooperation between institutions remains inadequate. Budgets for the judiciary and prosecution are below legal minimums, with a 4.3% reduction in 2025 worsening the situation. The Constitutional Court annulled salary amendments on 8 April 2026. The Chief Public Prosecutor resigned on 16 December 2025 ahead of a dismissal vote, exposing politicisation risks; a new Chief was elected on 18 March 2026. Parliament adopted a new Law on the Judicial Council on 29 December 2025 and amendments on 11 June 2026 to align with European standards. No new candidates for judges or prosecutors are in training; 432 of 636 judicial posts were filled by October 2025, with a 63% shortage of support staff. Corruption perception remains high: North Macedonia scores 40/100 in the 2025 Transparency International Index (84th globally); 92% of citizens and 91% of companies see corruption as widespread. The 2021–2025 anti-corruption strategy had low implementation; a new strategy is planned. Whistleblower protection revisions have not advanced. Appointments to the media regulator were made, but financial independence concerns persist. Journalists face political pressure, online violence, and SLAPP threats. Parliament made several appointments to independent institutions, but merit-based selection concerns remain. The Ombudsperson's Office and anti-discrimination body lack resources.
citizens face diminished trust in justice and media; businesses encounter an unpredictable legal environment and corruption risks; public institutions struggle with underfunding and staffing gaps; and the EU may factor these shortcomings into North Macedonia's accession progress.